League One playoff hopefuls Stevenage lock horns with relegation-threatened Fleetwood Town at the Lamex Stadium on Saturday, with three points massively important for both sides.
Stevenage will be aiming to increase their grip on playoff qualification as they look to secure back-to-back promotions, while Fleetwood must continue their positive run of results as they try to climb out of the relegation zone.
Match preview
© Reuters
Stevenage's season was under threat of being derailed during the early part of February, as Steve Evans's side took just one point from four matches, but they have seemingly recovered from this brief stumble as they reclaimed sixth place with two 1-0 wins and a draw in their last three.
They come into this game against Fleetwood not only holding a three-point lead over the chasing pack but also with a game in hand, leaving them in a strong position to hold on to at least sixth place.
Star striker Jamie Reid was instrumental in Stevenage's promotion last campaign, netting 10 goals in League Two, but he has taken a significant step forward this season, netting an impressive 17 goals in 33 appearances; his prolific scoring has played a pivotal role in Stevenage's ongoing push for back-to-back promotions.
Reid's form has taken a slight dip in recent weeks though, only managing one goal in his last seven games. Heading into the final stages of the season, Stevenage will be relying on the 29-year-old to recover his goalscoring prowess and help his side secure their playoff spot.
As for Fleetwood, their season has been rather disappointing as they have seen a drop from a 13th-place finish last season to now being seven points adrift from safety with just 10 games left to play.
© Reuters
Charlie Adam was brought in as the third manager of the season, following on from Scott Brown and Lee Johnson, at the turn of the year in an attempt to guide Fleetwood to safety.
The Fishermen suffered four-straight defeats in Adam's first games in charge, before going on to take seven points from the following nine.
While they have been unable to build on successive wins in this time, Fleetwood will be encouraged by the fact they have lost just two of their last nine games.
Four of these matches have ended in draws but with them trailing 20th-placed Shrewsbury Town by seven points, stalemates are unlikely to be enough to take them to safety.
Adam will, therefore, be hoping that a 4-2 victory in their last outing against Wigan Athletic will be the start of a winning run in the final weeks of the season.
Team News
© Reuters
Stevenage head into this game with very few injury concerns, leaving Evans plenty of choice for his starting lineup.
Jake Forster-Caskey was substituted in the 73rd minute in their 0-0 draw with Lincoln City last week, but he is expected to be okay for this game.
Elliott List has been absent for over a month, but the midfielder is closing in on a return to the squad.
Adam's Fleetwood side is unlikely to be changed from his starting side in their last game against Wigan given the manner of their performance.
Top scorer Jayden Stockley is expected to continue up front against Stevenage, and his manager will be hoping his goalscoring form continues after the striker netted three in his last two games.
Stevenage possible starting lineup:
Ashby-Hammond; James-Wildin, Vancooten, Piergianni, Butler; Thompson, Burns, Forster-Caskey; MacDonald; Reid, Roberts
Fleetwood Town possible starting lineup:
Lynch; Sarpong-Wiredu, Heneghan, Campbell; Broom, Lawal, Mayor, Kilkenny, Patterson; Coughlan, Stockley
We say: Stevenage 2-1 Fleetwood Town
While Fleetwood Town have seen an upturn in form since the appointment of Charlie Adam, coming into this game on the back of three games without defeat, Stevenage's quality is far superior to the visitors', and we expect this to be shown in the final result.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
